Australia Day Ambassador
Ann Snell
Ambassador for Byron Shire Council
A major motivation for working with Aboriginal Art is giving my clients access to Aboriginal philosophy and culture via beautiful paintings. Art is a great vehicle for healing and learning.
I founded Ann Snell Gallery in 2003 at the age of 24, am proud to be working towards my 7th year in business.
Visiting communities out bush isn’t always as romantic as it sounds. A frustrating element is seeing the complex emotional problems in Aboriginal communities that lead to depression and substance abuse. And knowing there is no quick fix, however when someone picks up a paintbrush, there is an instant assertion of purpose and pride, which is so valuable.
When looking for a painting I am looking for two things “Strength” and “Subtlety”. Strength is something unique and striking; Subtlety is something mysterious, unspoken and spiritual.
I’m very happy to be supporting art careers that have become a lifeline for aboriginal communities to self sustain and to promote their cultural identity.
I think non indigenous Australians have begun to realize that we’ve all missed out on so much of Indigenous wisdom, and now is the time to acknowledge our heritage and embrace our future together.
Charity work: Aboriginal Benefits foundation.
I was involved with a major fundraising event for a healing centre in Yirrikala N.T. where young people’s suicide and substance abuse statistics are horrendous. The healing centre was an idea from Yirrikala’s elder’s merging traditional and western healing methods. In four months a small group of people pooled resources and organized 70 artworks, 100% donated to be auctioned at a dinner at the Museum of Contemporary Art. We raised $300,000 in one evening. I was responsible for the transactions and distribution of art to the buyers from my gallery.
Proposal presented to the Governor 2009.
Self worth painting project: is a proposal designed to support Indigenous detainees that show an interest in Art, are keen to further their skills and take their art to an exhibition level. They work towards an annual exhibition for detainees and ex-detainees’ at Ann Snell Gallery.
By participating in this project other skills will be gained; learning about valuing art, how to speak about their designs and learn about the dynamics of the art industry. These skills have long term benefits, the most important being developing a sense of self-worth and of belonging in the community. This project is entirely my own idea and effort. The project continues to be a work in progress.
